ANALYSIS OF ASPHALT PAVEMENT MECHANICAL BEHAVIOUR BY USING A TIRE-PAVEMENT COUPLING MODEL

摘要

The tire operation condition in highway transportation exerts a significant influence on pavement mechanical behaviour. However, in-depth analysis of pavement mechanical behaviour under complicated tire operation conditions is limited. This study employed the finite element method to analyse the influence of truck tires on pavements in expressway freight transportation. A tire-pavement coupling model was established, and a simulation analysis was conducted for pavement stress under different parameters. Results indicate that the sigma(1) of the upper layer is significantly affected by the horizontal contact stress between the tire and pavement. The horizontal contact stress should therefore be fully considered when conducting a refined mechanical analysis of pavement surface layers. Tresca stress is mainly concentrated in the pavement surface layer and the upper base, and the high Tresca stress in the two layers is related to unstable rutting and top-down cracking. Moderate tire load and pneumatic tire pressure effectively improve the operation status of the pavement. On the contrary, excessive tire load or pneumatic tire pressure increases the road deterioration, and should be forbidden in expressway transportation. With the established tire-pavement coupling model, this study revealed the influence of tire operation condition on pavement mechanical behaviour. The conclusions obtained in this study provide a reference for pavement design and highway transportation management.